The Companions debate opening the letter for the Sire of Shadows when a random passerby saw the bodies and ran for more guards. Thorngrim noticed that the real guards had tattooed eyelids and the “guards” they had just dispatched did not, so the Companions decided to attempt honesty…

The Companions actually manage to convince the guard of the truth, though the head guard Jazir says that the situation still needs to be investigated fully. He releases them and says he will contact them later.

Thorngrim noticed three people whispering to themselves watching the situation and snuck over to eavesdrop. The trio was debating whether the Companions would be good “candidates,” concluding that they would indeed be suitable. The men had worn faces and calloused hands from a life of labor, and don’t seem particularly sophisticated. One of the men is sent to report to “Tasmin.” Thorngrim attempted to tail the one sent to report.

While carrying the bodies out of the alley, one of the guards is attacked and a sling is shoved into Plovian’s hand – the guards called out and attacked the Companions, but they were able to capture who set them up and convince the guards of their innocence.

Apparently, the attacker was from “Midnight’s Own,” a peasant rebel group known for causing trouble.

Thorngrim follows one of the conspirators into the Drowned Ward into an unused warehouse reeking of fish. A shadow-born elf approached the conspirator Thorngrim followed, calling in “Colin” and asking what happened. Colin explained that the Companions fought some Deathless Guards (he didn’t know the details) and then set them up to be attacked again. The elf approved, saying that should set them on the path to fighting Roland.

The elf also asked about Colin’s progress on also convincing the other adventurers (the Talon), but they’ve been staying in the tavern. Colin then left to report for his shift at the docks, and everyone echoed the cry “Make them pay!”

After giving a rousing speech, the conspirator who stayed to watch the fight with the guard appeared and whispered into the elf’s ear, darkening his mood. The elf dismissed the congregation. Colin, the conspirator and the elf (Tasmin) continue talking about their nefarious plans for arson, theft and vandalism. They also remain committed to trying to turn the Companions against Roland and his guard. They also debate interfering with an execution of “Noristro” tomorrow. After they left, Thorngrim checked out the warehouse but wasn’t able to find anything incriminating.

Back at the inn, the proprietor tells the Companions about the history of the city of Gloomwrought, how it was born from nothing and people came to settle later. Roland has been ruling the city for at least 600 years. The keepers have been in the city almost from the beginning, but only the Widow of the Walk knows all about the city. Driven mad by the death of her five children who were killed in battle when Roland came to power. The Companions also find out that Noristro is being executed because he made an enemy of Olisk Carrad.

Tzira is able to open the missive for Prince Roland:
Prince Rolan. The Raven’s Wing is compromised. Someone has been sending false letters on your behalf. We have a lead on the traitor and are attempting to capture him. Send no further messages via our couriers until you have confirmation from me. ~Bella, the Black Feather.

The Companions went to Harskell’s Emporium to pick up the invitations to the ball and were able to get one for the Talon. They also purchase a variety of extravagant costumes for the ball as well.

They then go to the Deathless Guard to find out about Noristro and share the information they have on Midnight’s Own. They find out that Noristro is being held by House Gorad (a merchant family), apparently for simply not having the appropriate permits to conduct business. The Guard can’t help the Companions get to him.

They next head to the Raven’s Monger next to set up an appointment with Bella. Explaining the situation to her, she revealed that the traitor was “Kedrith,” whom they have captured. She took the letter for the Sire of Shadows and the Companions offered to deliver it for her, but she said she needed to debate that, suspicious of Tzira’s Fleetfoot connections.

She also mentioned that a sage of history, Dalarus Alendestra, might know the Prince’s name.

Bella takes the Companions to speak with Kedrith, a shadowborn dwarf. Under duress, he reveals that he was secretly and magically contracted by a member of Roland’s household and given money and an envelope of instructions. He was also specifically instructed to eliminate the Companions when they arrived.

Recovering his instructions from his quarters, the Companions find 200 platinum pieces and the instructions specify that they should be incapacitated and prevented from seeing Prince Roland, but should not be killed. Bella does not recognize the script.

Total Party Treasure: 19,994 gp

The Companions then head to House Carrad to try to get in to see Noristro. The guards at the front gate apparently recognized them, but still made them wait to enter to meet with Olisk, who has apparently been waiting for us.

He reveals that Noristo matters little to him and he might be freed. Olisk explains that Kuniri, a member/advisor of Roland’s household that has been undermining the city, and Olisk’s influence. He wants Kuniri removed from the picture. Kuniri is apparently working with Prince Roland to siphon life from the Prince’s daeva consort Feria (the Shadow Angel).

Heading back to the inn, Chance is waiting for us at the inn to report that some frog-like creature kidnapped Mirana. Heading back to the boat to talk to Marek and get some guidance on our course of action, he tries to conceal that he knew Feria but wasn’t able to. She is apparently a “troubled soul” in risk of being reborn as a rakshasa.

Following some tracks and talking to witnesses and guards, the Companions follow the banderhob (the frog-creature) to an abandoned opera house in the Drowned Ward. Apparently the opera house is infamous as where the shadow operas were once held. Apparently it is now the den of the Tenebrous Cabal.

Opening the doors, the Companions are attacked by the shadows, scouring them with cold and necrotic energy. Walking to the stage, Surina calls out for Mirana and a deep voice responds: “Who intrudes upon the House of Shadows?” A shadowy figure denies kidnapping Mirana. He was honest about not having kidnapped her, but was hiding something regarding other groups that used banderhobs.

Combat ensued!

The shadow creatures were defeated (after the swallowed both Plovian and Naurak) and the Tenebrous Cabal revealed that a cult of Vecna had been slaying the banderhobs and reanimating them. They also healed the Companion’s wounds to some degree as an apology for not cooperating before. The shadows coalesce into a rode of Amor of Night, which Plovian took.

Derek fun points: 11

Dread Pirate Roberts: encounter, push adjacent enemies 1 sq

Extra Batteries: recharge magic item power

Use the Force: reroll attack roll

My Name is Inigo Mantoya: don’t fall unconscious when dying

Alchemical Items:

Keen Oil x5 each to Tzira, Surina and Naurak (used 3) (minor, crit on 19-20 until end of next turn)